Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-01
The Centennial Anniversary or the
Framing Of the Constitution.

One hundred years ago the 18th day OF
next September. the delegates OF the thir-
teen original States. chosen to frame con
s,itn,ion which should lead to more per-
feet anil At enger union. unanimously agreed
after much delberation. upon the articles
OF the Federal Constitution. Although
this instrument was not approved immedl
ately Nv all the States yet it was finally
ratified by all and is that which with the
important amendments. became the firm
corner stone about which after "a style OF
architecture all their own, inspired by
faith in the great Giver of all good and
upheld by an unfsltering trust in man.
his powers. his capacities, his
rights. his duties aud his immor-
tai destiny" those pioneers in, yet
masters of. government laid the deep
foundation and upon which they reared
1.-The swelling dome of the peoples gov
eminent which surviving the shock ct
foreign war and civil strife and furious de-
bate, has emerged from every storm strong
or and purer Suggested by the legisa'
ture of New Jersey and commended
by the legislatures OF the others
OF the thirteen original States,
the idea to commemorate the one hun
dredth anniversary of this great event in
the nations history became general until
nearly all the States have signltied their
approval and voted large sums of money
for the purpose. United action has been
taken and the matter placed in the hands
of n Constitutional Centennial Commits
sion, which has proposed plan tor the
celebration of the event at Philadelphia.
1t is proposed to have an Grafton and poem
in oommemoration of the important step
taken by our fathers. which secured us
this mighty nation; military display of
all the militia of the States and Territories
also an industrial professional display,
the programme to occupy three days.
The President OF the United States and
his Cabinet the Federal Judiciary. Con-
gress and the representatives of all de-
par,ments of the National Government.
the Governors of each State and Terri
tory. the Judicisries and Legislatures of
the same. and the Representatives of the
several Departments, the Com
missoners of the District of Columbia,
and the various Civic Organizations and
Associations OF the Union. and the resi-
der, Representatives OF Foreign Govern
ments having friendly relations with the
United States are invited to participate.
Mr.. Lodge in his address to the people of
the Ma ion says:
lit become. us to recall the characteristics of
the change in the government of States effected
BY the tranquil adoption of system of checks
TO the heated impulses which political strife
has always aroused The barrier to h,stv
Legislation effected by an organic Law, un-
ehsngeable except BY processes Involving
Delay, and so securing an interval in which
reelection might resume lite sway over pas
sion. Vas to all practical purposes . novelty
ace injury ago. The success Of the great expert
ment depended eventually upon the reverence
with which men might be brought to regard
the Fundamentals and supreme Law, aud upon
the determination to consider it, in the nature
OF things. inviolshle, except by the surrender
CT every respectable attribute of an uprigh,
people.
Upon the existence of this reverence the
statesmen of lsS7 relied, and TO its existence
and preservation their descendants owe what
ever is valuable in the institutions they in-
herit. To strengthen and quicken the sense
of the escredness Of this principle and the
paramount duty of observing il, and to ad-
monish our coun.rymen that only by intelli.
gent perception of its trsnscendent import.
snce, can be assured 4 continuance of the
blessings. which make US the admiration of
the world. seems a prominent duty of this
Commission.
The successful formation of the Constitu.
tion WAS the most momentous even. of the